Savannah Comedy Revue to raise money for musician Marc Cordray

The upcoming April 6 Savannah Comedy Review is a benefit for hometown drummer Marc Cordray, who needs a kidney transplant.

Profits from the show will be donated to the National Foundation for Transplants in Cordray’s honor. The nonprofit organization helps patients raise funds to pay for transplant-related expenses.

In 1999, Cordray was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, a kidney disease where antibodies build up in the tissue, ultimately leading to his kidneys shutting down. Doctors say a kidney transplant is critical to Cordray’s survival, and he requires daily home dialysis treatments.

The 49-year-old still is able to work as a professional musician, but he’s often fatigued. Even though he has health insurance, co-pays for doctor visits and prescriptions have taken a toll, and there will be significant expenses related to the transplant, which itself will cost $250,000.

For the rest of his life, Cordray will need follow-up care and daily anti-rejection medications. Although very expensive, they are as critical to his survival as the transplant.

“It’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed when facing any type of disease,” says Cordray’s wife, Dawn. “Marc has reached out and volunteered in the community for almost two decades, and now Savannah is more than giving back.

“I couldn’t possibly be more proud of this town, and we especially want to thank Tom Paris from the Savannah Comedy Revue, Jam Spillane, Jere Myers from Jerry’s Antiques, Paul Miller from Vinnie Van Go Go’s and Caroline Verner from Caroline V Designs,” she says.